Maiyela retain EPC gong

Maiyela retained their Eastern Papua Carnival (EPC) men’s title after Labose refused to take the field in extra time following a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation time at the Bisini Soccer Ground on Sunday.
Labose refused to take the field after disputing a late equaliser by Maiyela, which left organisers with little choice but to award the win to Maiyela.
In a fiery encounter, Labose were the first to score via a penalty through Cyril Muta.
Referee Willi Mark added four minutes of stoppage time after the match was halted on numerous occasions for both sides to treat injuries. The added time saw Maiyela equalise through Vanya Malagian in injury time.
The result was later disputed by Labose officials and players who refused to take the field in extra time following complaints against the referee and match officials on the length of injury time allocated.
EPC general secretary George Bukoya said after deliberating with match officials and team management from both sides, the organisers decided to follow Fifa rules and disqualify Labose for bringing the match into disrepute.
“The executives and myself had no hesitation but to apply the Fifa rules,” he said.
“Extra time was called and when Labose refused to take the field.
“We did give them an option for a rematch but they disagreed.
“They said they would not take the field so we had little choice but to award the game to Maiyela.”